Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
The realization of special stairs is a growing niche market in utility construction, in which there are a limited number of specialists. "A staircase is an eye-catcher and a statement," says Djurre van Bruchem of Van Bruchem Staircases. "We dare to step into projects that are too challenging for others, based on an integral approach with specialists for design and execution, collaborative skills and the latest technology."
As a family business owned by the fourth generation, Van Bruchem Staircases enters a new phase of innovation each time, says Van Bruchem. "For example, after World War II my grandfather joined the mass production of the reconstruction period, with a door plus frame as an integral product including hardware. The next generation focused on exclusive staircases; our generation again benefits from the growing technological capabilities, which allow us to take on constructive challenges. Laser measuring, 3D/BIM and CNC have taken our profession into a new dimension. Where serial production used to be much cheaper than custom work, that difference is now much smaller thanks to automated production. This requires large investments, but we want to be the best in our profession and go for it with all employees, from owner to mechanic."
Revolving stairs with concrete look at restaurant George Marina in Amsterdam.
Customization is obviously essential in the world of special staircases, a growth market in nonresidential construction. Van Bruchem: "A staircase is an eye-catcher - a statement, and the integration of a staircase is also a logistical story. We sit down with the client and architect to choose the best, technically feasible solution within a task-setting budget. The contractor is equally important, because sometimes huge elements have to go in. 'We're going to take care of it,' we say in both parts of the process."
Van Bruchem Staircases has its own in-house architect who directs the design part of the job; the execution side is approached by another business unit. It starts with in-house production and many finishing options, such as concrete look, brass, wood and glass. "Right now, concrete stairs are in high demand, but they are also bulky. So for the George Marina catering facility in Amsterdam, using the in-house developed LID construction method, we chose a staircase with concrete look on steel to make the customer's wish feasible."
"We dare to jump into projects that are too challenging for others," Van Bruchem continues. "Such as unsupported, wokkel-shaped spiral staircases nine meters in diameter for a distribution center in Tilburg. This approach leads to the most awesome stairs, and the enthusiasm in our company is palpable about that everywhere. Our people see their profession as a craft, with attention to the smallest details, and technology makes more possible than imagined. That's very inspiring." Craft and technology, an essential combination for Van Bruchem Staircases. "Our construction partners therefore prefer to see the staircase as part of the execution in integral hands. It goes without saying that we work with our own assembly department, based on our own assembly plan. If work is not allowed during business hours when installing a staircase, we come up with our own solution internally within budget. As said, we will take care of it."
Skoon 80 F
1511 HV Oostzaan
T +31 75 615 17 98
E info@vbstaircases.com
W www.vbstaircases.com
